Each year, at the annual InSites Convention, ARVC members of voting areas with open board of director seats are given the opportunity to vote for their national leaders to the ARVC board.

This election cycle offers the opportunity for members in Voting Area 1 in the Northeast, which comprises the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, and Voting Area 5, which includes the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisianna, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas, to elect a peer to represent them on the national level. Both seats this election cycle are “open” seats.

Edgecomb is running for her first three-year term in Voting Area 1. She has been involved in the camping industry for 34-plus years. In response to a questionnaire, asking about the most pressing issue facing the campground industry, she relied, “The recession I believe is our biggest issue followed by government regulations. It is a struggle for the small business owner trying to make ends meet in this economy.”

Helms is also running for his first three-year term. In 1991 Helms and his wife purchased 80 acres on the Gasconade River and developed a 50-site destination RV park and campground. He believes there are several issues facing the industry today, including looming federal tax increases, an economy in deep recession impacting families across our nation, U.S. unemployment rate of 9.5%, current federal deficit of over $1 trillion, increased local, state and national governmental restriction on RV parks and campgrounds, the need for ARVC to continue to be the industry leader promoting the camping industry as a “Best Value” in a very challenging economic market and increased competition from state and national park systems.

Voting will take place at this year’s InSites Convention and Expo on Dec. 1. Any ARVC member that is unable to vote in person may make their voice heard by voting absentee. An “Official Request for Absentee Ballot” form is available at www.arvc.org. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Nov. 4. All completed absentee ballots must be received at ARVC no later than Nov. 15.